Some people describe this as the ‘half glass full’ mentality,” says Dr. “Optimism is a mindset that enables people to view the world, other people and events in the most favorable, positive light possible. In fact, experts claim that the real difference between optimists and pessimists isn’t in their level of happiness or in how they perceive a situation, but in how they cope. Science shows that those with an optimistic outlook have better cardiovascular health and a stronger immune system, earn a higher income and have more successful relationships. And while optimists are usually pegged as those who only see the positive in every situation, experts say that’s not true, either. But while one can breed the other, they aren’t the same thing. “When we work with purpose or live with purpose, we feel more fulfilled and better equipped to see the glass ‘half full.’” Redefining Optimism Anyone can learn to be optimistic - the trick is to find purpose in work and life,” says Leah Weiss, Ph.D, a Stanford professor specializing in mindfulness in the workplace. “Some people are optimistic by nature, but many of us learn optimism as well. So if you’re someone who tends to see the negative in a given situation, there's hope. Yet that still leaves a solid amount of wiggle room for us to develop a more optimistic outlook as adults. Studies show that optimism is about 25 percent inheritable, and then there are other factors that affect our positivity - like socioeconomic status - that are often out of our control.

It's hard to be emotionally open and hopeful when that is not being modeled for you by your caretakers.”īut if you recognize yourself as someone who tends to default to the negative, your childhood isn’t completely to blame. But if the home environment is tense and filled with dysfunction, optimism is one of the first things to go. If the atmosphere is relaxed and loving, children blossom even if they innately have a tendency towards anxiety.

“From an early age, babies and children pick up the emotional vibes in their homes. “From my experience, optimism is both a personality trait and a product of our environment,” says Karol Ward, LCSW, a licensed psychotherapist.

Optimism psychology